COVID-19

Although vaccines have helped alleviate the negative impact of COVID-19, its persistence across many areas of the globe reveals a continuous need for rapid, accurate, and economical COVID-19 testing. But is it even possible to isolate and detect viral RNA rapidly and economically? Here we highlight a repurposed tool for improved COVID-19 detection: Chelex 100 Resin and the related InstaGene Matrix for rapid, cost-effective viral RNA preservation and detection.

With COVID-19 vaccines now widely available, case numbers in many areas are falling. But the question remains: How long does vaccine-induced immunity last? Measuring isotype-specific antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and the effectiveness of neutralizing antibodies against variants can help us better understand the duration and breadth of the humoral response. These data are critical to aid public health researchers and inform development decisions for vaccines and therapeutics. Read about the new Bio-Plex Pro Human SARS-CoV-2 Variant Neutralization Antibody 11-Plex Panel.

Precision diagnostics for cancer. COVID-19 surveillance in wastewater. Quality control of cell and gene therapies. These were just a few of the cutting-edge applications on display at the Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) World 2021 symposium. Recapping the event in 5 takeaways, moderator Francisco Bizouarn shares how international experts are leveraging ddPCR technology to solve today’s scientific and public health problems.

The ability to characterize the target of cell-mediated immune response is crucial during vaccine development. In studying the characterization of SARS-CoV-2 infection pathogenesis in humans, a research team identified neutralizing antibodies that provided context for vaccine antigen design. Discover how the ZE5 Cell Analyzer was used to detect activation-induced markers, measure intracellular cytokines, and identify spike protein–specific antibodies in a rapid, high-throughput manner.

Meet our newest product supporting the fight against SARS-CoV-2: the Bio-Plex Pro Human IgG SARS-CoV-2 N/RBD/S1/S2 4-Plex Panel. This qualitative multiplex immunoassay kit quickly and efficiently detects IgG antibodies against four SARS-CoV-2 antigens (nucleocapsid, receptor binding domain, spike 1, and spike 2).

Bio-Rad is proud to introduce our new RT-PCR testing kits for COVID-19. These all-in-one kits are designed for sensitive, specific detection of SARS-CoV-2 alone, or simultaneous detection of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, and influenza B. Read on to learn about each kit’s features.

Multiple publications report variation in the duration of acquired immunity to SARS-CoV-2. In this webinar, Bio-Rad scientists review these reports and discuss factors that influence longevity of acquired immunity. Learn about the mechanisms behind acquired immunity and how cytokine and chemokine activity, preexisting conditions, and more can affect immunity duration.

The COVID-19 pandemic has captured the attention of the world and won’t let go. And that has sparked efforts for creative solutions in some surprising places. Wastewater is not where most peoples’ minds go first when they think of airborne diseases, but it holds much promise for tracing and predicting SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks.

Presented by: Kenneth Oh, PhD, Collaborations, Applications, and New Technology Senior Global Manager
Kelly King, PhD, Field Application Specialist II
Brad VanderWielen, PhD, Field Application Specialist II
Candice Cox, Global Marketing Manager, Immunoassays

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Emerging reports from the COVID 19 pandemic include a spectrum of patient symptoms due to the host immune response. In this webinar, Bio-Rad scientists discuss early research and nascent hypotheses about the pathophysiology of SARS CoV 2–induced COVID 19 disease by evaluating cytokine and chemokine profiles, the role of chronic inflammation in comorbidities, and the arc of immune resolution of historical virulent pathogens, such as SARS and MERS.

As phase 3 clinical trials of investigational vaccines for COVID-19 begin in the U.S., you may be wondering what it takes to make an effective vaccine? In case you missed it, check out our Hanging with My Chromies podcast, episodes 6 and 10 on vaccine development and viral spread, and learn about the role chromatography plays in making a successful vaccine.